Can Chief David Brown continue to lead the Dallas Police Department, asks the Dallas Morning News. Brown cannot fairly be penalized for his adult son’s drug-induced murder of two men – including a police officer – on Father’s Day. Still, Phillip Lyons, a criminal justice professor at Sam Houston State University says, “Whether there is adequate public support for him, and support within the Dallas Police Department, I don’t know.”
Current and former senior-level police commanders, and high-placed officials within the local police unions, worry that Brown lacks the personality and political savvy to win back the troops. They say his testy manner with officers and taciturn approach to publicity could render him ineffective. “It’s going to be very difficult for him to survive with all the things that have gone on,” said one well-connected active-duty officer. “I really don’t know what we can do to help him out because he’s so private that nobody knows what his inner thinking is. I can’t tell you what he’s thinking because he doesn’t associate with a lot of people.” The chief’s supporters – including his boss, City Manager Mary Suhm – said Brown’s character and internal fortitude will carry him through.